Library becomes bus ticket hub

Starting Tues. Nov. 18, bus riders can get passes to ride from the library to anywhere in the city, right inside the library’s entrance. Topeka Metro, the city-wide transportation service, will install a ticket vending machine at the library where riders can purchase 10-ride cards and 31-day passes using a credit card, debit card or up to $20 in cash.

“It’s going to open access for our customers and make it easier for them to use the bus to and from the library,” said Marie Pyko, the library’s public services director. “Ideally, it will introduce riding Topeka Metro buses to people who haven’t used them and who can see how easy it is to use the bus at the library.”

The library’s Chief Operating Officer Rob Banks learns about the new vending machine that will be installed near the library’s entrance. | Image courtesy Topeka Metro on Twitter

This isn’t the first time the library has partnered with Topeka Metro to join in increasing access to the library and its materials, and access to transportation for customers.

Past collaborative projects include:

Books on the Bus

Big Read 2014 book distribution and free ride program

Future collaborative projects include:

Library will be a location for the Topeka Metro’s Bikeshare program

Topeka Metro is a partner in the 2015 Big Read

Topeka Metro will participate and give demos at the 2015 Green Fair

The machine, which has a touchscreen interface, is intuitive to use and easy to access near the library’s front entrance. It will be in service beginning at 3 p.m. Tues. Nov. 18. For technical questions about how to use the machine, seek help from library staff or call the Topeka Metro customer service line: 785-783-7000.